PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Meralco Bolts Avoid a Repeat and Reclaim Series Lead in Thrilling Game 3

pba finals game 3 san miguel meralco
Photo Courtesy of PBA

The PBA Philippine Cup Finals witnessed another captivating battle between the Meralco Bolts and the San Miguel Beermen. However, this time, Meralco emerged victorious, reclaiming the series lead at 2-1.

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PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Learning from Mistakes

Meralco previously lost a game after leading by four points in the closing seconds. This time, they were determined not to repeat that mistake, showcasing their ability to learn from their past failures.

  • Blown Lead Still Fresh: The article mentions Meralco’s heartbreaking loss in Game 2, where they squandered a four-point lead in the closing seconds. This defeat undoubtedly left a bitter taste in their mouths and served as a stark reminder of the importance of executing under pressure.
  • Determined to Avoid Deja Vu: The Bolts entered Game 3 with a clear resolve to avoid repeating their past mistakes. They were focused on maintaining their composure and making winning plays down the stretch.
  • Mental Fortitude: The pressure situation in Game 3 mirrored the closing moments of Game 2. However, this time, the Bolts displayed a different mentality. They remained calm and collected, demonstrating their ability to learn from their previous experience.
  • Executing When it Matters: With the game hanging in the balance, Meralco made the crucial plays. Chris Newsome’s clutch three-pointer and game-sealing free throws showcased their ability to perform under pressure, a stark contrast to their struggles in Game 2.
  • Building Resilience: Meralco’s bounce-back win is a sign of a maturing team. Their ability to learn from their mistakes and overcome adversity bodes well for their future prospects in the series.
  • Championship Caliber: The grit and determination displayed by the Bolts in Game 3 suggest they have the potential to go all the way. This win strengthens their belief in themselves and sends a message to the San Miguel Beermen that they are a force to be reckoned with.

PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Newsome Takes Charge

Chris Newsome emerged as the hero for the Bolts. His late three-pointer and game-sealing free throws were crucial in securing the win. He finished with a team-high 26 points, demonstrating his offensive prowess and leadership qualities.

PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Balanced Scoring

While Newsome led the scoring charge, Meralco received significant contributions from other players.

Raymond Almazan provided a strong defensive presence against June Mar Fajardo, while Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge, and Chris Banchero all chipped in with valuable points and rebounds.

  • Defense: Raymond Almazan played a crucial role by containing the opposing team’s star player, June Mar Fajardo. This limited Fajardo’s scoring opportunities and overall impact on the game.
  • Balanced Scoring: Beyond Newsome, other players like Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge, and Chris Banchero all scored important baskets. This scoring distribution makes it harder for the opposing team to focus their defense on shutting down any single Meralco player.
  • Rebounding: In addition to scoring, Cliff Hodge was a beast on the boards, grabbing rebounds and giving Meralco second-chance opportunities. This is backbreaking for the opponent as it gives Meralco more possessions and potentially more points.

Meralco’s victory is from a result of a well-rounded team effort. Newsome’s scoring was a key factor, but strong defense, balanced scoring from multiple players, and aggressive rebounding all played significant roles in securing the win.

PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Overcoming Bench Disadvantage

Despite San Miguel’s significant advantage in bench scoring (47-14), Meralco managed to overcome this deficit through strong performances from their starters.

PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – A Game of Runs

Similar to Game 2, the lead changed hands throughout the game, with neither team managing to pull away by more than eight points. This constant back-and-forth battle kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

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PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Down-the-Wire Finish

CJ Perez’s a squandered a lay up shot that could have tied the game and other crucial misses down the stretch ultimately cost San Miguel the game. The Beermen had their chances to win, but they failed to capitalize on them in the closing moments.

PBA Finals Game 3 San Miguel Meralco – Meralco’s Defense Holds Strong

While Perez and Marcio Lassiter found their rhythm later in the game, Meralco’s defense managed to contain them effectively when it mattered most. This defensive effort was crucial in securing the victory.

  • Targeted defense: Meralco have focused on limiting Perez and Lassiter early, knowing they were offensive threats. This involves double-teams, tight on-ball pressure, or denying them open looks.
  • Help defense: When Perez or Lassiter beat their defender, Meralco’s other players might have been well-positioned to rotate and provide help, preventing easy baskets.
  • Communication: Effective communication between defenders is key in any strong defense. Meralco’s players called out screens, switches, and player movements, keeping each other informed and on the same page.
  • Turnovers: Meralco’s defense could have forced Perez and Lassiter into turnovers by pressuring them and disrupting their passing lanes.
  • Low scoring: By containing these scorers, Meralco likely limited San Miguel’s overall offensive output, making it harder for them to catch up in the clutch.
  • Boosted morale: A strong defensive showing lifts the entire team’s spirits and confidence, creating momentum that carries over to the offensive end.

Meralco’s defense shut down Perez or Lassiter down the stretch and none of this 2 San Miguel Beer superstar players came through in the clutch situation .

Meralco defense was all over them and even JunMar Fajardo cannot find his stride as Raymond Almazan with his teammates prevent Fajadro on having a comfortable scoring opportunity.

PBA Finals Game 3 SanMiguel Meralco – Looking Ahead

With the series lead back in their hands, Meralco has the momentum going into Game 4.

However, San Miguel is a seasoned team with championship experience. They will undoubtedly come back prepared to fight for a win and even the series.

This intense battle promises to continue, keeping PBA fans on the edge of their seats.

  • Confidence: Winning Game 3, especially after a close call, can significantly boost Meralco’s confidence. They’ve proven they can overcome San Miguel’s challenges and may feel emboldened to take more risks offensively.
  • Gameplan Refinement: Having stolen a win, Meralco’s coaching staff can further refine their game plan based on San Miguel’s adjustments. They’ll analyze what worked defensively and offensively, potentially exploiting any weaknesses exposed in Game 3.
  • Championship Experience: San Miguel is a battle-tested team. They’ve faced adversity before and know how to respond. Their veterans can guide the younger players through the pressure and remind them how to stay composed.
  • Adjustments: San Miguel’s coaches will likely dissect Game 3 film, identifying areas where Meralco exploited their defense or where their offense faltered. Expect adjustments in defensive schemes, offensive plays, and player rotations.
  • Urgency: Down in the series, San Miguel will have a sense of urgency. They’ll be more aggressive and determined to even the series, potentially leading to a faster pace and a more physical game.
  • Tit-for-Tat: Both teams may trade baskets and leads throughout the game, keeping the score close and the fans on the edge of their seats.
  • Individual Matchups: Key matchups between star players like Chris Newsome vs. CJ Perez or Raymond Almazan vs. June Mar Fajardo will be crucial in deciding the game’s outcome.
  • Clutch Plays: Expect late-game heroics and defensive stands, potentially including last-second shots, game-saving blocks, or crucial steals.

With both teams motivated and adjustments in play, Game 4 promises to be a highly contested battle that could go down to the wire, leaving PBA fans breathless until the final buzzer.

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